Body hair is completely normal, but you might wish there were an easier way to control it. When you forget to shave before an important event, or have to shave certain areas every day because the hair grows back quickly, it can become frustrating.
If you want a low-maintenance, long-lasting solution to unwanted body hair, explore laser hair removal. Near Plano, TX, our professionals at the Dermatology Center of McKinney help patients experience smooth skin with innovative technology.
Not sure if laser hair removal fits your goals? Keep reading this post as we answer commonly asked questions.
We give answers to FAQs about:
FAQs About How Laser Hair Removal Works
At the Dermatology Center of McKinney, we use the Splendor X 2.0 device to prevent body hair growth. Let’s explore everything you need to know about this device and how it provides advanced laser hair removal.
How does laser hair removal work?
Using the laser hair removal device, we can target every hair follicle in the treatment area. Each follicle is a tube-shaped structure that holds and grows a single strand of hair in distinct phases:
- Anagen: Also known as the active growth stage when the blood supply in the follicle keeps the hair growing and healthy.
- Catagen: Here, the hair enters a transition phase. The blood supply cuts off from the hair, preventing it from growing further.
- Telogen: This is the resting phase when no growing or shedding occurs.
- Exogen: In the final phase, hair begins to shed, and new hairs begin to grow. After the exogen stage, the hair cycle starts over.
During laser hair removal, we target hairs when they are in the anagen phase. This allows us to treat hair while it’s still connected to the follicle, destroying the root and preventing future regrowth.
When we use the Splendor X 2.0 device, it emits light energy that targets the pigment (melanin) in the hair follicle. The pigment absorbs the light and turns it into heat, breaking down the cells in the follicle and preventing regrowth (photothermolysis).
What makes Splendor X 2.0 unique?
Regardless of skin tone or type, we can provide laser hair removal near Plano to many patients. How? Splendor X 2.0’s advanced Blend X technology allows us to customize the treatment to a wide variety of needs.
The device uses 2 different wavelengths to treat each follicle in the treatment area effectively.
Alexandrite (755nm)
One of the wavelengths Splendor X 2.0 uses is Alexandrite. This wavelength falls in the near-infrared spectrum and is highly absorbed by melanin, making it very effective for laser hair removal.
Typically, Alexandrite suits individuals of fairer skin tones, as the wavelength can disrupt melanin in the skin.
Nd:YAG (1064 nm)
The second wavelength we use for laser hair removal is Nd:YAG. This wavelength also falls on the near-infrared spectrum, but penetrates much deeper into the skin than Alexandrite.
Blending Nd:YAG with Alexandrite allows us to treat patients of darker skin tones, as the light can reach the melanin in the hair follicle without disrupting superficial skin.
Blend X Technology
Dr. James Ralston seamlessly blends Alexandrite and Nd:YAG to create a custom wavelength that suits your skin tone and hair color. During your appointment, he uses the dual wavelengths at different intensities to target each follicle. Unlike traditional laser hair removal devices, we can treat light and dark-complexioned patients in a safe and effective manner.
FAQs About the Laser Hair Removal Experience
Splendor X 2.0 provides comfortable and safe laser hair removal. We use this device at our practice because it was designed for patient comfort and satisfaction.
Let’s discuss what you can expect from our laser hair removal near Plano.
Does laser hair removal hurt?
No, in fact, laser hair removal with Splendor X 2.0 is essentially painless, unlike traditional laser devices.
The device has a square-shaped laser spot that prevents areas of overlap and provides consistent coverage. The square spot keeps us from lasering over a section more than once, preventing burns or irritation.
In addition to the square-shaped spot, the device uses Cryo-Touch and Cryo-Air cooling technology to keep the skin cool and comfortable.
With the advanced, patient-friendly technology, many of our patients find that laser hair removal feels like a tolerable prickling sensation. We don’t require numbing solutions, but we can provide them for your comfort.
How long does laser hair removal take?
Depending on your treatment area, the duration of your appointment can vary. We find that most appointments last around 45 minutes for larger areas like the arms, legs, and back. Smaller areas like the armpits, bikini line, and face take less time.
How many appointments do I need?
Since we target hair in its active growth phase, laser hair removal near Plano requires a series of appointments.
Dr. Ralston and our team recommend at least 6 appointments to target hair effectively. This series of appointments, spaced a few weeks apart, provides optimal results.
What areas of the body can I receive laser hair removal on?
Whether it’s a large or small area, we can reduce and prevent your hair growth anywhere on the body, allowing you to put down the razor, tweezers, and wax strips.
Common areas we treat include:
- Arms and underarms
- Legs
- Chest and back
- Chin, upper lip, and other areas of the face
- Bikini line
FAQs About Preparation and Aftercare
When you’re considering laser hair removal near Plano, it can be helpful to understand the best practices for preparation and aftercare.
How do I prepare for laser hair removal?
During your initial consultation, Dr. Ralston gives you pre-care instructions to optimize the success of your treatment.
Before laser hair removal, our professionals ask you to:
- Shave the area 24 hours before, but do not wax or tweeze the area, which removes the follicle.
- Arrive with clean skin free of oils, makeup, or lotions.
- Use SPF 30+ for the weeks leading up to your session.
- Avoid direct sunlight when possible to minimize burns or irritation.
- Discontinue use of topical steroids in the treatment area.
What should I be mindful of after laser hair removal?
Following your sessions, Dr. Ralston gives you detailed instructions on how to care for your skin.
After your appointment, we recommend:
- Use aloe vera or soothing balms for the next 3 days.
- Stay hydrated to promote efficient healing.
- Wear loose clothing to prevent friction in the treatment area.
- Avoid saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs to prevent irritation.
- Do not shave the treatment area for 3 days.
- Avoid applying makeup on the treated area for 2 days.
If you have any questions or concerns after your treatment, please reach out to our team for guidance.
FAQs About the Results of Laser Hair Removal
Near Plano, our providers hear lots of questions about results. One of the best aspects of laser hair removal is that many patients get rid of their hair removal frustrations for good. Not having to shave daily or wax weekly relieves stress and reduces the likelihood of cuts, bumps, and sore skin.
Here are a few answers to common questions about what results you can expect from laser hair removal—the long-lasting, convenient choice for hairless skin.
How long until I see results?
After each appointment, you can notice a gradual decline in hair growth. Since we recommend at least 6 sessions, you can expect smooth, hair-free skin after following your treatment plan.
Is laser hair removal permanent?
Laser hair removal significantly reduces how hair grows, but it is not completely permanent.
Many things can influence the potential of regrowth, including:
- Hormonal changes
- Dormant follicles becoming active
- Incomplete treatment plan
If your hair does grow back, it is much sparser and finer than before you received laser hair removal. Dr. Ralston recommends that patients come in for an annual touch-up appointment to sustain the results.
Choose the Dermatology Center of McKinney for Your Laser Hair Removal
Near Plano, TX, our professionals use gold-standard technology to help our patients reach their aesthetic goals.
We understand the frustration and irritation that comes with endless hair removal. If you’ve wanted smooth skin, free of hair and constant upkeep, explore how our laser hair removal with Splendor X 2.0 can meet your needs.
Schedule your appointment with our team to speak with Dr. Ralston about your hair reduction goals.
Want to learn more about our laser services? Head over to our blog, where we discuss laser skin resurfacing, laser skin treatments, and more.
